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BREXIT and Theresa May's 12 Point Plan

BREXIT / Friday 27th of January 2017

We wrote this article in February 2017 after months of speculation about the plan developed by Theresa May. We think the relationship between the Government's plan and your business holds true, but as to whether or not the plan will still be valid, we'll need to think again.

The 12-point plan (from February) that the Conservative Party had developed set out to define the UK’s future relationship with the EU. “A comprehensive and carefully considered plan that focuses on the ends, not just the means – with its eyes fixed firmly on the future, and on the kind of country we will be once we leave.” said Prime Minister Theresa May.

Further down the blog, you can see how we've taken that plan and highlighted how your business, and elements of your management processes might be affected. But first, let's think about that plan and how it could be affected by a possible minority government arrangement with the DUP?

The DUP are pro-brexit, pro-devolution and have some really clear manifesto pledges for business. Perhaps there will be great opportunity to develop business in, for or with Northern Ireland?

On the down-side, will the process of governance be lengthened if a second party is involved? Will the DUP want to get involved with the Conservatives on the basis of the outcomes for the last alliance between the Lib-Dems and the Tories? From a position of growing support, the Lib-Dems were virtually demolished at the subsequent poll having taken the flak for various Conservative policies!

We live in interesting times no doubt!

The 12 Point Plan and your Business

Thinking about THE PLAN, Business and the ISO Standards, what areas of you systems will you need to think about and which might need action?

Before looking at the 12 points, it is interesting to note that you are an Interested Party in all this. The Government Policy, the Context of the UK's position, the Risks and Opportunities, the Scope of the arrangements and any Exclusions will have an impact on your business. A Management Review to consider all of this will be an important Activity.

The outcome of any political deals or trade negotiations will depend to a degree on Theresa May’s Leadership. Negotiations will be managed by those she hands Responsibility and Authority to. We will all respond to the Communications and our Plans will be determined by the Requirements and Changes needed.

To the specific 12 point plan.

1.Controlling Immigration

It will “serve the national interest” and immigration will be controlled. This is likely to have an impact on human Resources and potentially Competency in the future. How much this will impact you directly will depend on your business.

2.Out of the Single Market

Simple to say but hugely complex to deliver. New trade deals await apparently, but a big question for those trading with the EU will be customs terms. Goes to the heart of your Context as an organisation as an External issue. You might need to implement Change, and manage it.

3. Rights for British Expats

And by definition, reciprocation to EU citizens living “and working” in the UK. Needs to be agreed as soon as possible, to provide businesses with certainty. If you employ EU nationals in your business, you will want to keep close to this impact on Resources.

4.Smooth, orderly Brexit

Certain key rules around immigration, financial regulations and law and order would remain, but regulation per se will be looked at over a transition period post Article 50, as the UK takes back law making internally.

It will be worth looking to organisations like Trade Associations to help in a landscape of Change to ensure the best set of rules for your business. You should also Review who your Interested Parties are, including Regulatory Bodies and Legislators.

5.Protecting Workers Rights

EU employment law will become British law apparently. So, no changes planned currently.

6.Strengthens the Union

The “guiding principle” will be that there will be “no new barriers to living and doing business” between Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Of interest to those doing business across these borders, any controls or costs associated with trade with Customers or Suppliers, could have been significant. Of course, in some political camps, Brexit is not the answer anyway.

7.Co-operation on security

While this is predominately about the threats of terrorism, whether state or ideological; continued co-operation will also help businesses with the ever increasing growth of cybercrime. Any measures which help prevent loss of Organisational Knowledge or Documented Information should be welcomed.

8.Providing certainty

Nothing saps confidence, investment and growth in business more than uncertainty. Clear decisions and early clarity will help you make decisions for the future of your business.

9.Controlling our own laws

Bringing back law to the UK Parliament will be applauded by those that believe in self-determination and a reduction in Red Tape. How much deregulation will actually take place will become apparent post enactment of Article 50, as the Civil Service start their review of some 60,000 regulations. Keeping an eye on developments in your specific sector will be important as will the impact on the wider business landscape.

10.New trade agreements

Depending very much on your Customer base, new trade arrangements are being hailed as the great opportunity of Brexit. If you currently depend on business with the EU, you might not be feeling the enthusiasm, but the wider notion of promoting free trade is being widely applauded by business leaders.

Of course, whoever your Customers are, they will only buy your Goods and Services if you provide Customer Satisfaction to them.

11.Travel across Irish border

There will be no passport control between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland. That’s people, but for Goods and Services, there will need to be the same relationship as with other Member States. Potentially, complicated.

12.Science and Innovation

There is an expectation of continued collaboration with science and technology partners. Once again, degrees of certainty will boost confidence. Moving along the chain of New Product Development (NPD) from Science and Innovation, you may be working in Design and Development.

Explore our knowledge base for more information on the highlighted elements. If you don't have access, and would like to subscribe for free, then call us on 01908 255 525, or email chris@spedan.co.uk. Please note only Business emails can be used.

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